Information for Property Managers

About Us

Where Is WaterWatch Located?
WaterWatch corporate headquarters are located at 67 Warehouse Street Rochester, New York 14608.

What Locations Can WaterWatch Service?

Our wireless technology allows WaterWatch to read submeters in communities across the nation. If your property requires a meter reader to record monthly meter usage, we also offer a nationwide network of meter readers. Click on Contact Us to view our current territory locations.

WaterWatch currently services a large variety of properties, ranging from multifamily, condominium, and commercial properties to student housing and senior living facilities. We recognize that each property’s construction requires a unique solution and are dedicated to finding a utility allocation method that will best suit your organization’s needs.

Submetering Basics

What Is Utility Submetering?

Utility submetering is the process of allocating utility costs to individual residents in rental properties. Costs are allocated on the basis of actual use as measured by a submeter installed in each unit. Each month, the meter is read using a variety of meter reading methods and equipment. Meter data is collected and processed according to current local municipality’s rates. Your residents will then receive a monthly billing statement with their calculated portion of the utility usage used.

How Does Utility Submetering Work?

WaterWatch will install individual submeters in each unit and link them through a special interface. We then utilize our real time software application to collect and interpret usage information at our corporate office. WaterWatch will bill and collect resident payments and reimburse the property owner for the resident’s usage

What Will Utility Submetering Accomplish?

Government funded studies indicate that utility submetering reduces a property’s total utility consumption by as much as twenty-five percent. Since submetering holds residents accountable for their usage, they are prompted to conserve utilities and quickly report maintenance issues. Submetering utilities also allows property owners to control previously uncontrollable expenses and prevents unexpected rent increases. Submetering is an effective way to recover the majority of a property’s utility expenses while promoting conservation.

Are There Any Laws Governing Utility Submetering?

Most state laws do permit controlled utility submetering. Each state has the ability to mandate submetering requirements, including rates that can be charged for the service. Submetering does not allow for charging higher rates than those billed by the municipality.

Does WaterWatch Have Access To Legal Advisors With Utility Submetering Regulatory Experience?

Yes, our attorney’s and their firm have successfully helped WaterWatch win a New York State case regarding the legalities of ratio utility billing (RUBS) for water and sewer. The National Submetering Utility Allocation Association (NSUAA) additionally keeps a data base on regulatory issues across the country which WaterWatch can access.

Submetering Installation

How Is Utility Submetering Installed?

Your property’s mechanical layout determines the approach we take to installing a submetering system. Meters can be installed by WaterWatch’s trained installation team or property owners may choose to install meters themselves.

New Construction Installation

WaterWatch has been at the forefront of the submetering industry for over 14 years and handles submeter installations for new construction with efficiency and ease. We ensure that state regulation compliances are completed, necessary submetering technology is installed, and systems are inspected to best benefit your new property. (Learn More)

Existing Property Installation

WaterWatch utilizes our strategic vision and proven industry products when installing submeters for an existing property. Our experienced team will make certain that management transition issues are completed, submetering technology is installed in agreed upon locations, and installed systems are inspected.

New construction installation prices are determined by site plan drawings and can be as low as $95.00 or as high as $350.00 per unit. The average WaterWatch installation price is $139.00 per unit. Submeters, network technology, mechanical configuration, and project location are just some of the variables taken into consideration when proposing a price.

Installation costs for existing communities are determined by telephone discussions, digital picture, and in some instances, an on-site assessment. Pricing can range from $155.00 to $350.00 per unit with $206.00 per unit as the average WaterWatch installation price. Your property’s mechanical configuration is a key component to this pricing structure. A difficult installation requires more labor costs and therefore increases installation price.

Warranty Information?

WaterWatch is distributor for several submetering equipment manufacturers. Each manufacturer stands by their product with warranties that typically run from one year to 15 years. Our products are reliable and non-proprietary.

Billing and Collection Services

How Does WaterWatch Calculate My Property’s Bills?

WaterWatch calculates your property’s bills based on one of the following utility allocation methods:

Full Consumption Metered
Each unit’s utility cost is measured 100% by a meter which identifies only that resident’s usage consumption. This method of submetering is the most accurate and allows for point of use maintenance troubleshooting.

Meter Ratio System
The mechanical layout of a property may mean that it is only possible to meter a portion of a utility. For example, a water submetering system may meter the hot water inlet and allocate cold water usage. This method allows for the maintenance team to partially detect leaks and identify unit location.

Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS)
RUBS is an approach to allocating utility expenses used when unit mechanical configurations make submetering impossible. Formulas are created to allocate usage based on factors such as square footage and number of occupants. The meter usage is divided among residents according to these established formulas. RUBS does not allow for specific unit maintenance troubleshooting leaks.

Run-Time Allocation
A run-time module is a digital device that monitors the time a gas valve, switch, or other voltage input is applied. The device calculates the time and outputs a pulse to interface with a wireless transmitter for data transmission. Pulses are calculated and then allocated to each unit based on master bill usage.

WaterWatch utility rates are determined by the local municipality. Although rate schedules can be passed through to resident, the property cannot charge more than the local municipality. A property can always charge less if need be.

When Do Residents Receive Their Bill?

Every 30 days your residents will receive a billing invoice via the US Postal Service or e-bill. Final move-out bills are read and calculated immediately, and mailed to the resident’s new forwarding address.

Who Answers Billing Questions?

A WaterWatch representative is available from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. eastern time to answer any resident billing questions. Residents can contact us at 800-256-9826 to speak directly with a customer representative or access their accounts online at www.mywaterwatchbill.com

Does WaterWatch Handle Debt Collections?

Yes, bi-monthly WaterWatch will mail a late notice to each delinquent resident and our collections department will place a follow-up phone call or email to each resident. Once all efforts have been exhausted, WaterWatch will send the resident’s information to a collection bureau. Your property manager may apply the resident’s security deposit towards the submetering open balance at the time of vacating.

Information for Property Managers

What Do My Property Managers Have to Do?

Property managers should explain utility submetering to potential residents and inform them about their upcoming utility bill. Every property is appointed a WaterWatch representative that will stay in contact with your managers throughout each billing cycle.

Monthly, your manager will also be responsible for providing WaterWatch with move-in and move-out information. We can receive this information in several forms including fax, email, or software integration. Property managers are welcome to contact us at 800-256-9826 with any resident questions.

Can Management Access Monthly Management Reports Online?

Yes, real time monthly management reports are available online 24/7 with individual password protected access. WaterWatch will notify your management via e-mail that monthly property submetering reports are available on the WaterWatch web site for viewing.